Drivers of Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV) should match a particular level of fitness to be road-worthy. Determining this requires undertaking a medical examination together with paperwork in the D4 medical form. The doctor looks at particular requirements when conducting the HGV test. Read on to understand the conditions that you’re to test for during an HGV examination.
Eye test
Regular drivers should match strict sight regulations to be on the road. The regulations become stricter when it comes to HGV drivers. During an eye test, HGV drivers have each eye tested separately while wearing glasses and without. Additionally, the doctor tests for general eyesight to determine your total field of vision.
The comprehensive eye test allows getting a clear picture of what your eyesight can do. Passing the test depends on the results of the test. The standard for an eye condition is determined on the Snellen scale with 0.8 (6/7.5) the best and 0.1 (6/60) the worst.
Neurological issues
The doctor will also check whether you have any neurological issues during an HGV examination. Having any problem currently or in the past might have serious consequences to a driving career. When preparing for the test, you have to understand the HGV medical exam cost and be ready to answer all questions from the doctor. Some of the neurological issue covered during this test includes:
- Blackouts
- Epilepsy
- Narcolepsy
- Multiple sclerosis
- Motor neurone disease
- Memory problems
- Parkinson’s disease
- Strokes
- Brain tumours
- Prior brain surgery
Mental health
Apart from physical fitness, HGV drivers need mental fitness to be on the road. About 30 percent of work-related illnesses in the transport industry results from depression, anxiety, and stress. Working long hours alone without socialization hurts your mental state. During a mental examination, expect the doctor to ask you various questions regarding your mental health. And, the doctor will offer solutions for health conditions that are manageable such as anxiety and depression. You have to be extremely honest to get a comprehensive arrangement.
Diabetes
Are you diabetic and regularly use insulin? There’s no need to worry that this might hinder you from becoming an HGV driver. According to Diabetes.co.uk , people with diabetes become HGV drivers. You have to let the doctor know about your condition during the medical examination. This allows putting in place a particular process to help you manage the condition while on the job. People who regularly use insulin get an HGV driving license renewable after one year.
Alcohol and drugs
Driving late in the night and working regardless of the weather condition for a long distance is quite challenging. This sometimes makes drivers use drugs and alcohol. Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol while on the road is prohibited by law for the safety of the driver and other road users.
So, during the HGV examination, the doctor will undertake a drug test while looking for signs of alcohol abuse. Being an alcoholic or drug addict makes it very hard to pass this examination. Some of the drugs checked for during the test include:
- Amphetamines
- Clonazepam
- Flunitrazepam
- Diazepam
- Methadone
- Morphine
- Opiates
- Oxazepam
- Lorazepam
- Temazepam
Heart problems
During an HGV medical examination, expect the doctor to check you for heart problems you might be facing. You have to disclose any current or previous heart problems including stroke, heart attack, pacemaker implant, or heart failure. HGV drivers have to be aware of their overall health especially the heart.
According to Bhf.org.uk, heart failure might not stop you from driving. However, this depends on the symptoms you’re having. If the symptoms are stable and don’t distract driving or the ability to drive safely, then you can drive without having to notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency.
Sleep disorders
Sleep is very important since it helps the body to relax after a long day on the road. During your HGV examination, you have to tell the doctor any sleep problems you are facing. There’s no need to fear since having a sleep disorder doesn’t disqualify you instantly. The doctor will recommend appropriate remedies to ensure that you drive safely.
Failure to get enough sleep puts HGV drivers at risk of various ailments including diabetes, obesity, premature ageing, cancer, and heart disease. Driving if you didn’t get enough sleep hinders the ability to stay vigilant on the road. So, it is very important to let the doctor know any sleep problems you might have to give you an appropriate solution.
Although you don’t need perfect health to pass your HGV medical examination, it pays to understand what you’re going into. Undergoing through the tests highlighted gives authorities peace of mind that your wellbeing and overall health is good. Additionally, it also ensures that any manageable health issues you’re having are always under control to avoid compromising safe driving.